Download Ordering For Rational Numbers Guided Lesson Explanation

Name _____________________
Date _________________________
Ordering For Rational Numbers - Guided Lesson Explanation
Explanation#1
Step 1)
When the right-hand number is equal to the left-hand side then we use the = sign.
When the left-hand side number is greater than the right-hand side number, we put
a > sign.
When the left-hand side number is less than the right-hand side number, we put a
< sign.
I always follow this strategy; if they are equal put the equal symbol. If they are not
equal point the sign towards the smaller number. I will bold the smaller numbers
below, point the arrow towards them.
- 0.6
< -
6.24
>3
-7
૛
૝
<3
ଶ
=
ହ
- 0.6
<
- 0.4
૚
૛
ଵ
ଵଶ
Explanation#2
Step 1) Remember that negative numbers are the smallest. The larger the
negative, the smaller the number. In this case -5.7 is the smallest number
with – 3.5 not far behind. Write those two in that order.
Step 2) We now need to determine the next largest number. 0.4 would be
less than 6.2, so 0.4 is next followed by 6.2
Steps 3) Now write the answer:-5.7
-3
ଶ
ସ
0.4
6.2
Tons of Free Math Worksheets at: © www.mathworksheetsland.com Name _____________________
Date _________________________
Explanation#3
Step 1) Back to the same comparison as in #1. The smaller numbers are in
bold below. Point the arrows to the smaller numbers. If they are equal, use
the equals sign.
3.2
7.45
-4
૚
૝
>
=
<
-
૚
૞
7.45
5
ଵ
ହ
Tons of Free Math Worksheets at: © www.mathworksheetsland.com